Multi-functional automotive diagnostic tablet with interchangeable function-specific cartridges

A multi-functional automotive diagnostic device comprising:

• a base unit having a display screen, a base electrical connector, and a base flange extending over a main body engagement surface to define a channel therebetween;
• a first cartridge including a first body, a first electrical connector, and a first automotive tool connected to the first body and in operative communication with the first electrical connector;
• and
• a second cartridge including a second body, a second electrical connector, and a second automotive tool connected to the second body and in operative communication with the second electrical connector;
• the first and second cartridges being interchangeably engageable with the base unit, such that engagement of the first cartridge to the base unit occurs when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the base electrical connector which configures the base unit to operate in accordance with the first automotive tool and engagement of the second cartridge to the base unit occurs when the second electrical connector is electrically connected to the base electrical connector which configures the base unit to operate in accordance with the second automotive tool.

A multi-functional automotive diagnostic device configured for interchangeable use with a first cartridge including a first automotive tool and a second cartridge including a second automotive tool, the device comprising:

• a main body having a base engagement element configured to be interchangeably engageable with the first and second cartridges, the base engagement element including a base flange extending over a main body engagement surface to define a channel therebetween;
• an interface assembly connected to the main body and including:
• a display screen connected to the main body;
• a main processing unit located within the main body;
• a user input in operative communication with the main processing unit;
• the interface assembly being configurable to operate in a first operative mode associated with the first automotive tool in response to engagement of the first cartridge to the main body;
• the interface assembly being configurable to operate in a second operative mode associated with the second automotive tool in response to engagement of the second cartridge to the main body.

A method of configuring an automotive diagnostic tool, the method comprising the steps of:

• connecting a first cartridge having a first automotive tool to a base unit having a base engagement element including a base flange extending over a main body engagement surface to define a channel therebetween, an interface assembly including a display screen, a main processing unit, and a user input in operative communication with the main processing unit, the interface assembly being configurable to operate in a first operative mode associated with the first automotive tool in response to connection of the first cartridge to the base unit;
• disconnecting the first cartridge from the base unit;
• and
• connecting a second cartridge having a second automotive tool to the base unit, the interface assembly being configurable to operate in a second operative mode associated with the second automotive tool in response to connection of the second cartridge to the base unit.